We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Summer Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Summer below.
Summer, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by surrounding myself with a community of friends who are also pursuing their passions in various creative fields and entrepreneurial endeavors. Seeing their ideas and achievements come to life inspires me. Observing their passion, resilience, and innovative approaches to their work fuels my own creative drive. Additionally, having friends who understand and navigate similar challenges in the realm of small business and entrepreneurship provides invaluable support and perspective, helping me with my creative process. I actively seek to attract these kinds of people in my life and hope to continue to build that supportive community.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder of Shine Lab, a custom candle company that takes a personalized approach to candle-making. What sets Shine Lab apart is the dedication to creating custom candles that resonate with each customer’s unique preferences and desires.
At Shine Lab, it starts by engaging customers in a fun and interactive quiz that helps me understand their fragrance preferences, desired vibes, and even their dislikes. With this insight, I hand-make each candle using high-quality, non-toxic ingredients and custom-blended fragrances that are unique to each individual.
What excites me the most about Shine Lab is the opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level through candles. Whether it’s a customer celebrating a special occasion, sending a gift to a loved one, or simply treating themselves to a moment of self-care, our candles become a part of their stories. Knowing that our creations play a role in enhancing these moments is incredibly rewarding.
As for what’s new at Shine Lab, I recently launched a line of pre-made “top seller” fragrances that customers can customize with their own names, offering a convenient option for those who prefer not to take the quiz but still want a personalized touch. Additionally, I’m exploring collaborating with local entrepreneurs and creatives to share their personal narratives and capture the essence of their stories in a unique fragrance blend. This new series will be called “Shine Stories”.
Overall, I’m passionate about creating more than just candles; I want to create experiences that uplift and inspire. Whether it’s through custom blends or commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, Shine Lab is more than just a candle company—it’s a way to connect to my community through authenticity, creativity, and the art of storytelling through scent.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Learn by Doing: Shine Lab was previously just an idea I had been playing with for a while. I immersed myself in the world of fragrance and candle making, took different classes, experimented with all sorts of materials, and spoke to people in the industry about their practices. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and we all went in lockdown, I wanted to send my friends candles to brighten their day, specifically choosing fragrances that reminded me of them. With that, I launched Shine Lab and opened up the order form with a quiz to anyone who wanted a custom candle. I received a great influx of supporters who believed in the brand. I even landed my first corporate order – a milestone that validated the potential of Shine Lab. I didn’t necessarily have everything figured out, but I learned as I went. Not everything has to be planned and perfect, getting your ideas out and becoming a “do-er” is the first step to getting the ball rolling.
2. Persistence: At first, I was overwhelmed at the initial response and thought, “How on earth am I going to fulfill all these orders?!” I had doubts in myself and felt the pressure because I wanted to make sure I gave every person the best candle experience. Everything was new and I was facing many challenges for the first-time. I had to set a plan, put my head down, and get to work. There were many late nights fulfilling candle orders in my Los Angeles garage. However, with each order completed, I gained confidence in my ability to navigate the challenges of running a small business. Now I am able to tackle large bulk candle orders with ease and efficiency, drawing on the lessons learned from those early days of hard work and dedication.
3. Never Stop Learning: As I continue to pursue Shine Lab going into year 4, I am learning that it’s important to continuously seek knowledge and skills that will help you grow personally and professionally. Despite my natural reserve when it comes to sharing my business challenges, I’ve come to realize the value of seeking help and seeking other opinions on my business. It’s okay to feel vulnerable—it’s a natural part of the growth process. Opening up to new perspectives has allowed me to gain valuable insights and make more informed decisions for Shine Lab.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Shine Lab, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses who share the passion for creativity, quality, and innovation in the realm of fragrance and design.
I believe in the power of collaboration and am eager to partner with fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners who are passionate about their craft. Whether it’s collaborating on joint marketing initiatives, co-creating new products, or sharing resources and insights, There’s immense value in working together to create something awesome!
Giving back to the community is an area I want to focus on in the upcoming year. I am interested in partnering with non-profits and charities that align with Shine Lab’s values to support meaningful causes. Whether it’s through fundraising initiatives, product donations for charity events, or other collaborative efforts, I want to commit to making a positive impact through our partnerships.
If you or your readers are interested in collaborating with Shine Lab. I’d love to hear from you! We can connect through our website’s contact page or reach out directly via email at hello@shinelabco.com. I am always excited to explore new collaborations and partnerships that align with our brand vision and values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shinelabco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinelabco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinelabcocandles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shinelabco
